Major search under way after kayaker overturns in Surrey river

A huge search operation has been launched in a Surrey river for a man whose kayak overturned.

Police and fire crews were called to the River Wey in Guildford at 1.10pm on Monday after reports a man fell into the water when his kayak had capsized.

Witnesses reported the man struggled because of the “extremely strong” current.

Ambulance crews and a police helicopter have also been scrambled to help the search, which is taking place near the Guildford Borough Council offices.

Chief Inspector Dave Mason, from Surrey Police, said: "We have a large number of officers out looking for this man alongside a number of fire crews.

"The man was spotted in the water by several members of the public and was clearly in difficulty due to the extremely strong current.

"We are doing everything we can to try and find him.

"We are urging members of the public that if they do see him, not to try and go in after him but to call 999 straight away."